cast load - 300 Savage Remington Model 81

[superbee]

I am looking to develop a cast bullet load for a Remington Model 81 in 300 Savage.

I am using the Lee C309-180-R (actual weight about 185 lubed and gas checked) bullet. I would like to find a minimal velocity / pressure load that would still function the semi-auto mechanism with this bullet.

Any insight or ideas would be welcomed.

Thanks in advance!

[Hardcast416taylor]

Some powders to try as starter loads are as follows.

18 gr. 2400

20 gr. IMR-4227

20 gr. IMR-4198

26 gr. IMR-3031

As I said these are starter loads that probably won`t cycle the action, work up carefully.Robert

[superbee]

Thank you Robert. I will start with the 4198 and 3031 loads first and work up carefully from there.

I will let you know how it works out.

[superbee]

I was surprised that the starting load of 26.0 grains 3031 cycled the action flawlessly. At 50 yards this load shot significantly low of point of aim.

Increasing by 0.5 grain at a time, I found that at about 27.5 grains of 3031 the Model 81 was shooting to point of aim at 50 yards. Accuracy was minute of beer can. Recoil was negligible, no unburned powder in barrel or action, and just a little soot on the case necks.

The Lee bullet, lubed with straight LLA, was seated to the highest lube groove, giving an OAL of about 2.534".

I am going to load some more of these and see how they shoot at 100 yards.

Thanks again Robert.

[rond]

I am in the process of loading a 175 gascheck FP using H335, fireformed .308 cases. My 81 is a 1948 vintage, slightly older than I am. My deer gun this year.